Pentecost Sunday

May 19, 2013

Celebrating Our Birthday: One in the Spirit!

Today, the Church celebrates its birthday with the feast of Pentecost. It is a scene of great drama rushing wind, tongues of fire, the uttering of many languages. It is also a scene of inner transformation: timid disciples empowered to speak boldly, in a way that no matter what the religious, cultural, and linguistic differences, each hears the message in a language they can understand. Such is the power of Gods Holy Spirit: to break down the walls of division and to create the unity that is the Fathers desire for all creation. From the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Church is born and reborn, in every age. Here at St. Monicas, we form a richly diverse community. We come from many lands, we speak different languages, we express our faith in a variety of devotions and spiritualities. Yet in the Spirit, gathered around the Lords table, we truly form One Body. At this time of year, we also celebrate different key vocations in our community to motherhood last week, and over the next few Sundays, to marriage and to fatherhood. With joy, we have welcomed 24 young people to the table in Holy Communion, and 29 others to the fullness of the Spirits gifts in Confirmation. After the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 2nd, we will gather in appreciation of the many volunteers who, in a wide variety of ministries liturgical, educational, social, charitable, and organizational share their gifts with competence and generosity to make our community stronger. We are blessed by so many gifts of the Spirit, by so much generosity of response! I also have the joy of celebrating this weekend my 50th birthday. I am indeed grateful for the gift of life, and I rejoice to share my birthday with this parish community of St. Monicas, and with all the church this Pentecost Sunday. After the 11 a.m. Mass today, you are invited to come down to the hall for cake and coffee, to celebrate our common birthday together! May the Spirit bless each of us with abundant life: Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down. O comforter and friend, how we need your touch again. Let your power fall, let your voice be heard. Come and change our hearts as we stand on your word. Holy Spirit, rain down!

Faith First Registration

Faith First registration forms for the 2013-14 season are now available at the entrances of the church, church hall and rectory. All new, as well as, returning students must fill out a form before August 15th and return it the rectory to guarantee a spot. The cost of the program is $70 for one child, $95 for 2 children and $110 for 3 or more. Please note that your child will not be denied access to the program if you are unable to pay the fee. For further information, please contact Jennie Parsons-Armstrong at (514) 4810267 or by email at jennie.armstrong@bell.net.

All parish volunteers are invited to an appreciation luncheon on Sunday, June 2nd, 12:30-2:30 in the parish hall. If you have given of your time in any manner during the past year, your presence will be welcomed.

Celebrating Our Volunteers

Mass Intentions: May 19-26, 2013

May 18, 2013 Vigil of Pentecost 4:00 Raymond Jenkins Connie McLaughlin May 19, 2013 Pentecost Sunday 8:30 In Loving Memory Mary & Ted McNichol, Edgardo Poce & Luigina Cicciarelli Marta Michetti, Isa Mazzella 11:00 Eva Ciampini Claudia & George May 20, 2013 Monday, St. Bernardine of Siena 8:00 Lucette, Andr and Vivian & Joseph Leo Riviera May 21, 2013 Tuesday, Weekday 8:00 Victoria & Gina Luisa & Angelo Falcone Scamurra & Evandro Mariani May 22, 2013 Wednesday, St. Rita of Cascia 8:00 Margarita Alonzo Sharon DiFruscia May 23, 2013 Thursday, Weekday 8:00 Bruno Celani His Mother, Father & Family May 24, 2013 Friday, Weekday 8:00 Alba Paliotti The Paliotti Family May 25, 2013 Our Lady's Saturday In Loving Memory Dorothy Moore, Fioravante Rotiroti, Adolfo & Soledad Gomes, Christina Knippling, Richard Sedzin, Leonard & Terry Winslade, Laurie Laughlin, Mike Kilburtis & Lucille Wong, John & Claire Wilkinson May 26, 2013 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 8:30 Sr. Dorothy Lehman, CND The Baptismal Team 11:00 Lina Nardi Her Son & Family Pastoral Council Elections
Pastoral Council elections will take place on Sunday May 26th. There are three (3) openings for seats on the parish council. If you would like to be a candidate or know someone who would like to be a candidate, please fill out a form that can be found at the entrance of the church. Nominations are now open, and will close at 1:00 PM on May 19th.

The 21st century catholic community campaign:

Revitalizing montreals english-speaking catholic community

Montreal is a city that is certainly enriched today by the strength and diversity of its multi-cultural mosaic. It is also a metropolis whose demographics have undergone considerable change over the years, creating whole new sets of needs for its various constituents, including the Englishspeaking Catholic community. Furthermore, Montreal is a city in which the fast-paced rhythms and rigours of life and the broader context of diminishing budgets are also presenting individuals and institutions with significant challenges. Three key organizations with a common cause and shared commitment the Foundation of Catholic Community Services, Pillars Trust Fund and the Father Dowd Foundation have joined together to steward a major effort to revitalize Montreals English-speaking Catholic community. Working hand-in-hand for the benefit and future well-being of the communitys youth, young adults, families and seniors, these organizations have united to spearhead the 21st Century Catholic Community Campaign. Your contribution can make the difference. Please give generously. To learn more, please visit our website at www.21ccc.ca

Pilgrimage Postponed
Due to insufficient registrations, we have decided to postpone the pilgrimage to St. Josephs Oratory until further notice. As an alternative, we are encouraging the parishioners to take part in the diocesan Corpus Christi celebration on Thursday, May 30th, which begins with Mass at Notre Dame Basilica at 7:30 p.m., followed by a candlelit procession through Old Montreal and Benediction at St. Patricks Basilica. If youre interested, please sign up at the back of the church.

Your Generosity
Thank you for your on-going support of our parish Last weekends collection was $4463.50